Having either too much money or too little causes big problems. I'm satisfied being in the middle.

Atheism is an affirmation - a form of faith that can engender the same fervor and irrationality seen when other forms of faith are carried to extremes. Trying to keep an agnostic open mind is what makes the most sense to me.

i think you would like "the power of myth" also on netflix instant watch. it says a lot about spirituality and humanity vs spirituality and religion.

Awesome blog! I'm going through a phase of personal and spiritual expansion, etc. It's good to know I'm not the only one that thinks this way =)

Your equations make a lot of sense to me.

Deep thoughts and worries for one so young. I'll be looking forward to hearing more on the subject when you go into it. I can tell you from my point of view, that I believe that God wants us to worry about others and be kind to them. I think that is most of what He wants from us, besides love. I think you're on the right path, and am thrilled that you are not only enjoying the journey, but are looking forward to the rest and learning along the way. Good luck. One more thought. I have met a lot of poor people who are happy and like life, but I've met very few rich people that are truely happy.

Right on the money (so to speak). I used to be a christian, fell to atheist, walked through Satanist, and currently am basically religious-less. Things happen, be happy with the good things and deal with the bad things. Keeping an open mind seems to work, as you see so much more beautiful things a limited mind would miss... And yeah, society doesn't seem to work anymore. I think the whole system is outdated.

Down with money, back to trades!

I really like your ideas, because I feel the same way. I never classified myself in a certain religion. To me everyone feels that they have to be classified as a certain religion. I don't want the classification that I'm a non believer or that I am. I just want to be known as, like you said, open minded. and the fact that religion is based off of money is another kicker for me. The more money you give to some church the more they recognize you. Back in the day, churches belonging to christianity told their members that the more money they paid the farther their dead relatives could get out of purgatory.

Money is terrible, I think we should go back to trades.

I loved the Atheism Tapes, serious discussion on a topic that I find not enough people (I know) are talking about.

Thank you for this, very insightful. I feel like we share a very similar experience. Much love =)

I'm currently reading "The Evolution of GOD" right now and so far it's pretty good. If you're interested in religion this book gives a great run down of our ideas of god and how they have evolved over time.

Good shit.

@78walk - Atheism is definitely NOT an affirmation or a form of faith. I personally consider myself agnostic overall but atheist in regard to the popular ideas of god that are found in our religions (because they are ridiculous). It doesn't sound like you truly understand what atheism is. As Sam Harris has so eloquently put it, "Atheism is not a philosophy; it is not even a view of the world; it is simply a refusal to deny the obvious. It is worth noting that no one ever needs to identify himself as a non-astrologer or a non-alchemist. Consequently, we do not have words for people who deny the validity of these pseudo-disciplines. Likewise, atheism is a term that should not even exist. Atheism is nothing more than the noises reasonable people make when in the presence of religious dogma."

In other words, it's not an affirmation of anything. Atheism is a lack of belief due to insufficient evidence - not a positive belief that god does not exist.

Ain't that the truth.

Down with money? Seriously? All companies, big and small will cease to exist. No money for manufacturing your computer- no money to pay the light bill.

You can be anything you want. do anything you want. If you want it, badly enough to make the necessary changes. What are you going to feed your dog? Grass? Dead rats?

Money is great if you have a modicum of sense.

All the best to you, sirs and madams.